8 AYSO Philosophies: Everyone PlaysOur program’s goal is for kids to play soccer—so we mandate that every player on every team must play at least half of every game.Balanced TeamsEach year we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible—because it is fair and more fun when teams of equal ability play. ..

9 AYSO Philosophies: Open RegistrationOur program is open to all children between 4 and 19 years of age who want to register and play soccer. Interest and enthusiasm are the only criteria for playing.Positive CoachingEncouragement of player effort provides for greater enjoyment by the players and ultimately leads to better-skilled and better-motivated players…

10 AYSO Philosophies: Good SportsmanshipWe strive to create a positive environment based on mutual respect rather than a win at all costs attitude, and our program is designed to instill good sportsmanship in every facet of AYSO…

11 AYSO Philosophies:Player Development We believe that all players should be able to develop their soccer skills and knowledge to the best of their abilities, both individually and as members of a team, in order to maximize their enjoyment of the game…

13 U-6 Coaching CourseFor the rest of the class remember this: I will not be talking about your child! I will be talking about the average kid on the team. Just because we put a 6 year old on a soccer field doesn't make him an athlete..

15 Working with Young AthletesAs coaches we need to recognize that each athlete is anindividual with unique needs and that we treat themaccordingly.Understand that players want to enjoy attending practices and games…

16 Working with Young AthletesOrganize your activities and games so that every athlete on your team has an opportunity to develop and maintain positive feelings of self-worth.Provide positive encouragement to all players for both accomplishments and mistakes…

17 Working with Young AthletesPlay in this very young age group is meantto give a “taste” of the game, someexperience in working together as a team,and, most of all, a positive introduction tothe sports experience…

18 What to Expect from U-6 PlayersRemember that kids will develop differently, both physically and socially. You must take the needs of ALL of your players into consideration…

19 U-6 Physical/Gross Motor DevelopmentAre in the early stages of development.Can run, jump, and skip well; motor skillsare continuing to develop.Have lots of energy, although in bursts; they tend to tire quickly.Can perform runs, starts and stops.Can’t sit still for long…

21 U-6 Cognitive/Thought DevelopmentDo not like to repeat.Lack judgment regarding their own safetyand abilities.Don’t think logically.Ask lots of questions.Are fond of stories…

22 Things To Remember About The U-6 Player (summary)They don’t think like adults!Are extremely curious and highlyimpatient.They just won’t stand or sit still.They have a short attentionspan…

23 Things To Remember About The U-6 PlayerYou may find communicating with them difficult.Their verbal and communication skills aresomewhat limited.They will take what you show or tell literally, so be sure to say exactly what you mean.Lastly, make everything positive and they will respond positively to you and your directions…

24 Things To Remember About The U-6 PlayerMust be treated as children, not as mini-adults.Are essentially self-oriented and naturally relateonly to a friend or two, not to groups of six or more.Cannot sustain prolonged activity, and canfunction best with frequent rest periods.Focus best when learning activities are fun…

25 Team ManagementThere are off-the-field responsibilities that affect the team and the players before they ever step on the field. These activities are referred to as team management and they are important!..

26 Team ManagementOrganizing the Team: This should be your first priority! 1. Develop a Team Goal 2. Develop a Coaching Philosophy 3. Conduct a Parents’ Meeting

27 Develop a Team GoalTry: “Players having FUN while learning about soccer” is a good base for a team goal. You, the parents and players can build on that foundation…

28 Develop a Coaching PhilosophyWhy are you Coaching? Why should you be Coaching?...

29 Conducting a Parents’ MeetingDiscuss AYSO’s Vision and Mission Statements and the 6 Philosophies.Discuss the team’s goals.Explain your coaching philosophy.Explain short-sided soccer and why we play it.Educate parents briefly on the Laws of the Game specific to this age group.Discuss player equipment needs…

30 Conducting a Parents’ MeetingSet team policies.GET HELP – You will need (at a minimum):Assistant CoachesTeam ManagerTeam Parent…

31 Coach EquipmentThe following is a basic list of the minimum equipment you should have with you on activity day: Player medical release forms A basic first-aid kit A water container (filled with water) and cups Soccer balls An extra pair of shin guards (maybe 100) A marking pen for labeling A whistle Your players should bring a soccer ball to every activity and must be wearing shin guards…

32 Activity Day (Game day)In Advance Of Activity Day (Game day)Remind parents of where and what timeyour team will meet.Remind parents to have players arrive 15 minutes in advance, in order to account for late arrivals and preparation time.Check your equipment before you leave home to make sure you have everything you need…

40 Defending Principle Good LUCK!...Delay: To slow down the attack byclosing gaps and denying space forthe other team to work in. Once theattack is slowed, your team canattempt to take the ball back.Good LUCK!...

42 Teaching MethodsPositive Instruction Encouragement (P.I.E.) All players will respond better to you and it will help keep AYSO the positive place it should be for all...

43 Teaching Methods Say: Explain the skill or technique.Say, Show, Do and ReviewSay: Explain the skill or technique.Show: Demonstrate the skill or technique.Do: Have players perform the skill or technique.Review: Review, correct and confirm proper technique.

44 You are now ready for the field segment of the U-6 Coach training.One more thing…

45 What is the BEST Teacher of the Game?The game itself! Kids just want to PLAY!...